LME for systems change via networked coalitions: A Synthesis note drawing on experience from the CGIAR climate resilience initiative’s policy transformation work stream.

This synthesis note addressing LME for networked systems change efforts builds on the experience of accompanying two networked coalition efforts for systems change in the agri-food sector as part of the CGIAR Climate Resilience Initiative (ClimBeR), within its work stream on policy transformation. The distillation of lessons is designed to feed into ongoing conversations about the development of operative LME framework guidance for such efforts, both within CGIAR programming and more broadly.

For the purposes of this note, LME framework guidance is understood as relevant both for the internal and ongoing strategic decision making of such coalitions, as well as for broader external monitoring of the results of investments in such programmatic efforts over time. Critically, the learnings and principles presented in this note also speak to broader interlinking concerns—held across CSO “doers” as well as major philanthropic, multilateral, and bilateral donors—of how to design, fund, implement, and evaluate systems change efforts in the climate resilience and inclusive natural resource governance domains, if not beyond. LME for systems change has bearing on each part of that “design, fund, implement, and evaluate” puzzle.